The Winter Carnival is coming to town! Saranac Lake 2013

The Saranac Lake Winter Carnival is coming up!  For me it brings back memories of frozen fingers when the high school band had to play in the parade, fun with friends, crazy events, great ice sculptures and even falling in love. 

photo by Mark Kurtz

Family history says that my great grandfather worked on the first Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Ice Palace. And if family history is true that would have been in 1898.  Oh they were bigger and grander then, but then they probably weren't so subject to the weather changes that we have now.  According to history 
they “...featured indoor rooms, staircases, towers, and battlements which soared to 60′.”

As a senior in high school I was lucky enough to be chosen as part of the Royalty Court. This could not have been more fun... nor.... more romantic.  I fell in love with my Court partner and we dated for the next four years!  The annual - now 10-day festival - includes performances, crazy sports like snowshoe baseball and the frying pan toss, dances, parades and more.  Fireworks above the world-famous Ice Palace designate Carnival start and Carnival finish - complete with a slide show of all the fun.  2013  marks the 116th anniversary making the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival the longest-running event of its kind in the eastern United States. 

take a lantern lit sleigh ride

The Lake Clear Lodge is just 8 miles from the festivities.  Close enough to "be there" to enjoy but just enough outside of town to be on the quieter side of Carnival.  The Lodge features wonderfully built and very cozy private chalets for 2-6, a couple of awesomely romantic cabins for two with fireplaces and jacuzzi or steamshower, or simpler rooms in the main Lodge complete with private bath.  On 25 acres, the Lodge has free cross country trails, offers authentic horse drawn sleigh rides and has a one of a kind walk-in wine and beer cellar.  The meals are "old world adirondack" brought into the new age.  In all, The Lodge is a unique place to be.  While it might not be for everyone, it is for sure for those that want to truly get to the Heart of what the Adirondacks are all about.

See more Lodge Photos           

See The Lake Clear Lodge website for more or to book online  www.LodgeOnLakeClear.com

See the Carnival website for a detail list of events, times, history, and more. http://www.saranaclakewintercarnival.com